Method and System for Cleaning a Pond

ABSTRACT

The present invention is generally directed to a system, device and method for removing a layer of sediment formed on the bottom of a pond. A submersible vacuum unit associated with in-line import and export sections made from at least 2 inch diameter tubing is supported by a single ski or wheel that is in contact with the pond bottom surface, with a flexible hose connected to the export and directed outside the pond for disposal or filtering of suctioned water. In certain embodiments, leaf /debris bagging mechanisms or mulching mechanisms are employed to facilitate removal of large debris from pond bottoms, while fine silt material is contained in a region and suctioned off the bottom surface.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/446,282 filed Feb. 24, 2011 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/471,506 filed on Apr. 4, 2011. The entiredisclosure of the prior applications is considered to be part of thedisclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cleaningsediment from a pond, and more particularly for removing sediment fromthe bottom of a pond using a powered vacuum device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous devices for removing sediment from ponds, lakes, streams,lagoons, and the like are known in the prior art. These vary from largetrucks fitted with huge pumps and vacuums, to garden hose devicespurportedly capable of creating suction sufficient to remove silt anddebris from the bottom of a pond. Neither of these extremes issufficient for a residential pond owner or for a pond servicing servicewhere routine and periodic servicing of ponds of 8 feet wide to about 1acre is involved.

Pond vacuums are popular with many water gardeners because of theirconvenience and ease of use. Such pond vacuums are primarily designed sothat their motors remain out of the water but are positioned near thewater's edge and used for cleaning algae blooms, fish waste, deadleaves, and other dirt that may collect at the bottom of the pond.Problems also exist in the use of such devices, including difficultieswith respect to access to deeper portions of ponds, vacuum suction lossdue to long tubes or pipes from the motor to the debris at the bottom ofthe pond, efficiencies of pumping action and ability to distributeand/or filter debris after removal from the pond; return of dirty waterback to a pond, etc. Even other designs that employ submergible vacuumssuffer from various deficiencies, including the absence of any supportfor a suction device above the bottom of a pond, especially the lack ofany supports that have adjustable elevations, are able to maneuveraround underwater obstacles (such as submerged potted plants) etc.

Existing gravity-fed bottom drainage systems have a number ofdisadvantages that make them unsuitable for the average domestic pondkeeper. For example, they are extremely expensive, difficult to installinto existing ponds, require a large installation area, haveinaccessible pipe joints in the pond base and walls, and it is difficultto draw solid waste upwards out of the pond once such solids accumulateand such accumulation decays and pollutes the water quality.

There is therefore a long felt but unsolved need for a relatively simpleand effective device, system and method for cleaning the bottom ofponds, especially lined ponds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a system, device andmethod for removing a layer of sediment formed on the bottom of a pond.Certain embodiments are referred to as the “Pond Mower” due to somevisual similarities of the present invention, in certain designs, to atraditional lawnmower.

As used herein, sediment includes any settable material which settlesonto the bottom of a pond and the like and includes sand, sludge,aquatic algae and the like which collect on the bottom of ponds,especially ponds having a liner placed over the bottom of the pond toprovide containment. The present invention removes the sediment withoutinjuring the liner. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing atleast one sediment removing vacuum unit that in one embodimentpreferably includes a frame supporting the same with at least one singlewheel of at least 6 to 8 inches in diameter, more preferably about onefoot in diameter, preferably positioned behind the bottom suction end ofthe unit by at least about 12 inches. Such elevation above a pond bottomis preferably adjustable by various means, including wheel adjustmentsystems standard on lawnmowers.

Employing one of the several embodiments described herein, the processof removing a layer of sediment from the bottom of a pond comprisespositioning the apparatus on the bottom of a pond with a layer ofsediment on the bottom of the pond such that the suction is sufficientto suck up pebbles and stones that weigh at least about that of aquarter, with a screen preferably mounted near the suction end toprevent passage of undesired sized debris from flowing through anin-line impeller. In other embodiments, however, instead of attemptingto preclude larger debris from being suctioned up, one aspect of thepresent invention is directed to retaining such debris in a manner suchthat it is collected and contained for removal for disposal. Otherembodiments both screen out certain larger sized particles while alsosuctioning up other material for either conveyance outside the pond orinto a retainment bag for later disposal.

One device that can be used in the present method is a pump system thatis typically used to power water fountain features and in pond skimmingsystems. Such pumps are available in various sizes and capacities andare generally powered by electricity provided by outlets having a GSItrigger fuse such that any dangerous conditions will cause electricpower to cease, thus preventing electrocution in an aqueous environment.A suitable pump for the size of job or pond is selected and preferablymounted on a frame to assist in conveyance of the device across a pondfloor. In one embodiment, a rigid segment of PVC or other similarplastic, metal or composite pipe, preferably at least 1 inch indiameter, more preferably at least 1.5 inches in diameter and even morepreferably at least about 2 inches in diameter, is connected to each endof the pump. The segment associated with the suction end of the pump ispreferably at least about 1 foot long, more preferably about 18-24inches, and is adapted for connecting to a desired suction end-piece,shaped to address particular issues arising in a pond cleaning endeavor.For example, various types and shapes of suction-apertured units can beassociated with the suction-end segment, such as those that aretypically used with wet-and-dry-vac units. One of skill in the art willappreciate how the configuration and shape of such an end unit will besuitable for the type and power of a pump being employed, e.g. a flatfunnel shaped unit that spreads the suction force over an extended area;other units have brushes associated therewith to loosen material cominginto contact with the brush; other suction apertures being adjustable(e.g. via a gate) to facilitate changing desired vacuum rates. In oneembodiment, the device provides the operator with a rotatable variancegauge to adjust the aperture or diameter of the suction end of thedevice, such as by providing a telescoping-type end piece that candecrease the diameter of the suction tip.

A pipe or tube segment (i.e. second segment) associated with thenon-suction end of the pump is preferably at least about 18 inches long,more preferably at least about 24-36 inches long, rendering it easy fora user to grasp the segment with both hands positioned above the mountedpump. In certain embodiments, one or both segments comprise atelescoping, adjustable nesting extension tube is employed. In apreferred embodiment, the two segments and pump are provided along asingle axis such that the device is at least about 4 feet from end toend, more preferably at least about 4.5-6.5 feet in length, thusproviding a device that can be relatively easily manipulated and carriedby a single person. Handles can be mounted along the extent of thedevice to further facilitate manipulation and control of the device whenbeing carried or while in use. Such handles can, for example, beprovided such that one handle is provided either on the suction-endsegment or on the pump itself, with another handle being provided alongthe second segment.

In a preferred embodiment, the device can be either fixedly orreversibly connected to an assembly designed to facilitate theconveyance of the device across a pond bottom. In one embodiment, atleast one, and in certain other embodiments preferably two or more slatsor runners are provided that are designed to ride either through or ontop of the pond bottom surface without unduly stirring up sediment ordamaging a pond liner. Other embodiments utilize at least one wheel tofacilitate movement of the device across a pond bottom and to furtherassist in the transport of the device to and from a pond. Thus, in oneembodiment, a dolly-like carriage is provided such that the suctiondevice (and segments associated with the pump/vacuum device) can bepositioned either in an upright position or tilted position, even whennot in use. It can be angled in a desired fashion when submerged in thepond and pushed and pulled as desired to suction up debris on the pondbottom. The device can be reversibly associated with such a conveyanceassembly to permit the operator to physically manipulate the deviceeither with the benefit of either a ski or wheeled device, oralternatively, if weight concerns or underwater obstructions are ofconcern, without the possible cumbersome nature of a wheeled orski-tracked associated unit.

The weight of the unit, at least the portion that is submerged, ispreferably below about 60 lbs, more preferably below about 50 pounds,and most preferably less than about 45 lbs. It should be appreciatedthat because the device is used while being at least partially submergedin a pond, the weight of the device seems less when in use, thusproviding easier handling by a single operator. The combination of therelatively sleek design (e.g. preferably an in-line suction end,pump/vacuum and non-suction end) plus the relatively light weight of thedevice, provides a distinct advantage over prior art systems that aretypically much heavier (relative to the suction power required toperform similar debris removal), are not submerged during use, fail toprovide a powered suction pump/vacuum within feet of the pond bottom,and/or have tubing and electrical cords that are not confined in anin-line fashion, thus allowing for the operator to become entangled,etc.

While certain situations and environments call for the vacuum unit to besubmersible and in close proximity to the pond bottom surface, in otherembodiments of the present invention, the powered vacuum unit may bepositioned outside the pond (e.g. on its edge) or is in another positionwithin the pond or in an adjacent water container. One embodimentprovides an operator with the option of either standing on the edge of apond and manipulating an elongated hand-held member connected to asubmersible suction end, designed to come into close proximity to thepond bottom; or to enter the pond and suction debris from its bottom bypositioning the suction end to desired locations. Certain prior artdevices are not designed to permit an operator to enter the pond toperform suctioning activities as the electrical cord connection andassociated poles used to manipulate the vacuum unit are awkward andpotentially dangerous if an operator attempted to enter the pond withthe same. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the electrical cord is closely associated with at least thefirst or second segment such that the cord cannot be tripped over theoperator, especially when pond water is disturbed, obscuring visibilityof the same. In some preferred embodiments, the electrical cord usedwith the present invention is itself made to be buoyant so that theoperator, once in the pond, does not become entangled in the cord by notseeing the submerged extent of cord while the suctioning operation isongoing. Similarly, the long extended poles of certain prior art devicesare ill-suited for in-pond use of a suctioning unit that has (inaddition to a non-constrained length of electrical cord) an extendedlength of hose or tubing extending from the vacuum unit to a placeoutside the pond.

Despite the benefits of certain embodiments of the present inventionthat are designed for an operator to be in a pond with the device, thereare certain advantages attained by having a suctioning unit positionedon the edge of a pond, rather than submerged and associated with theoperator's hand-held suction tool, including the weight reductionaccompanying having a powerful and heavy suctioning unit not associateddirectly with a submerged suction end of a tool. Thus, in one embodimentof the present invention, an extended hose of at least about 2 inches indiameter is provided, being at least about 15-20 feet or more in length,having a suction head designed to be in proximity to a pond bottom, andhaving an operator held portion that is above the suction head portionand prior to the extended hose portion. In one embodiment, there arehandles associated with the operator held portion of the device, but inothers, the operator merely holds a rigid tube having a diameter of atleast about 2 inches, which is in alignment with the suction headportion and the extended hose connection.

In one embodiment, the above described operator held unit, sans anysubmersible vacuum unit connected to the suction head portion, isfurther provided with a pond contacting device to facilitate theoperator's ability to manipulate the suction head portion in a desiredfashion. For example, a single wheel, single ski, etc. can be associatedwith the operator held unit to provide support for the unit and tofacilitate ease of quickly turning the unit (e.g. devoid of two or morewheels which restricts such facile movements).

In one embodiment, there is a shut-off control provided directly on thepump/vacuum or one of the associated segments, thus providing theoperator of the device with the ability to cut either suction from beingemployed or to cease electric power being provided to the unit. Otherembodiments also provide at least two different power levels for thedevice, thus providing the operator with the ability, while in the pond,to adjust the power/suction degree to address certain environments orsituations. For example, in situations where a particularly thick anddense area of pond bottom sediment is encountered, the operator canadjust the power level to increase suction. A dial or lever-type deviceor gauge can be employed to achieve such control by the operator, suchdial provided near a handle of the suctioning end.

In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a vacuum device, such as atorpedo pump, positioned on a preferably wheel mounted assembly suchthat a user can push the device across the pond floor while wading inthe pond (e.g. the user may be in a chest wader if the water is cold andthe water level is up to about chest high.) While one wheel may besufficient to provide movable support for the under-water carriage, two,three, four or more wheels, suitable to support various larger orheavier versions of units. In one embodiment, a vacuum device can beobtained from Cal Pump, preferably its Direct Drive Torpedo Pump with acapable throughput of about 4000 gph. As otherwise described below, theuse of two or more pumps, one preferably submerged with the otheroutside the water and near the pond, is contemplated in situations whereadditional suction power is desired.

In one embodiment, Cal Pump Direct Drive Torpedo Pumps energy efficientpumps may be employed, as they are water-cooled, use no oil, and may beused as submersible, in-line pumps. The size, power, capacity,dimensions, etc. of a vacuum device can vary dependent upon the job athand, but preferably the vacuum is sufficient to draw in substantialamounts of silt and debris from the bottom of the pond without damagingthe underlying pond surface or liner.

In particular, pumps similar to those available from Osae can beemployed (see issued patents referenced below), especially for thevacuum unit positioned outside the pond, thus facilitating the desiredvacuum power to address the significant weight of water being suctionedout of the pond. A number of other patents and published applicationsdirected to technologies owned by Oase are also incorporated herein byreference to provide particular written disclosure of systems andmethods applicable to various embodiments of the present invention,including the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. and publication nos.: 7,686,951;0070065316; 7,686,951; 0070183905; 0070199595; 0070286752; 0080054088;0080044293; 0080056911; 0080105311; 0080217229; 00900040. Still otherpatents incorporated by reference herein include: U.S. Pat. No.5,131,821 to Marioni; U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,619 to Runyon; U.S. Pat. No.5,095,571 to Sargent; U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,746 to Wang; U.S. Pat. No.7,708,149 to Pank et al; U.S. Pat. No. 7,465,129 to Singleton; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,553,972.

In certain embodiments, the selection of a pump or pumps to employ in adevice or method of the present invention is achieved by reference to apump curve. A pump curve is a simple graph which shows the performancecharacteristics of a particular pump. There is an inverse relationshipbetween pressure and flow. Higher pressures mean lower flows. Lowerpressures result in higher flows. Centrifugal type pumps are often usedfor irrigation and are preferred in many embodiments disclosed herein.Two variables affect the pump performance: horsepower of the motorattached to the pump, with bigger motors having more volume andpressure; and the size of the impeller. The pressure that the pump iscapable of producing is typically measured in feet of head, rather thanPSI. A pump is selected based on a size that will produce both the headand GPM desired, and thus involves selection of the horsepower andimpeller size that will provide desired performance. Together theimpeller curves and horsepower lines on a pump curve represent the bestperformance the pump is capable of if that horsepower or impeller sizeis selected.

In one embodiment, an aspirator similar to that described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,814,926, incorporated herein by this reference, is employed toaddress particular issues when pond water is especially filled withsludge. Thus, in one embodiment, a liquid aspirator for liquidscontaining solids comprises a housing comprising a receptacle and a lid;at least one aspirator motor arranged in the housing; the receptacleenclosing at least two receiving chambers for liquid, each of the atleast two receiving chambers having an air aspiration opening that isconnected to a vacuum side of the at least one aspirator motor and isprovided with a main valve; and a vacuum connector connected to thereceptacle. Liquid is sucked into the receptacle through the vacuumconnector with the at least one aspirator motor, wherein a section ofthe vacuum connector arranged inside the receptacle has for each one ofthe at least two receiving chambers a separate closeable opening so thatthe vacuum connector communicates separately with each one of the atleast two receiving chambers, and a drainage is connected to thereceptacle through which drainage liquid contained in the receptacledrains from the receptacle. A control acts on the main valves so as toalternatingly open and close the air aspiration openings so that the atleast two receiving chambers are alternatingly filled with liquidthrough the closeable openings of the vacuum connector, respectively,and so that one of the at least two receiving chambers currently notbeing filled is drained.

In other embodiments, different types of vacuum units can be connectedin series to address suction issues. For example, connection of one ofthe above referenced Osae pumps to a wet-dry vacuum (e.g. available fromBlack and Decker, Ace Hardware, etc.) facilitates having vacuum suctionavailable on a more consistent basis was the water filling units of theOsae units fill and drain. Preferably, the Osae vacuum is the unit thatis connected to hose that enters the pond and a dry vac unit ispositioned nearby the Osae unit and has tubing that facilitates theexiting stream of water to either a filtration unit, surrounding groundor back into the pond. With respect to suitable pumps for use withvarious embodiments, the following describes configurations and designsof pumps. For example, a pump of the type as is shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,713,719 can be used, or any suitable pump that may include a rotary orcentrifugal pump with an open impeller. The impeller may include pumpwheel vanes, with a flow channel formed between the pump wheel vanes,one of the pump wheel vane carrying discs and a housing section. Theseflow channels expand in their cross section going from the radial inwardside towards the outer side. Another variation is disclosed in WO94/03731, incorporated herein by reference, which discloses acentrifugal pump with a non-dog impeller, in which the flow channels aredefined between full pump vanes and extend from the rotation axis of theimpeller to the radial periphery. Still others include those disclosedin US 2004/0126228, also incorporated herein by this reference, where animpeller pump with a special geometry of the spiral housing is shown.Centrifugal pumps are known from the general state of the art, whichhave a rotating impeller for conveying water. The pumps are usuallyemployed by full emersion in the water to be conveyed (submersionpumps). The suction side can also be placed in communication with thewater to be conveyed via a pump. Centrifugal pumps operate according toa hydrodynamic conveyance principal, where the water to be conveyed issupplied in the vicinity of the rotation axis of the impeller, is takenalong with the rotating impeller with its thereupon located vanes and isforced to a circular or orbital track. By the centrifugal force actingupon the water rotating in the circular track the water is radiallyforced outward. Accordingly, a vacuum is produced close to the rotationaxis at the water intake (suction side) and an over pressure is producedat the periphery of the impeller (pressure side). Centrifugal pumps arevery reliable and with appropriate design of impeller and associatedpump housing, water with solids can be conveyed. In a preferredembodiment, a self-priming centrifugal pump is used, examples of suchpumps being disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,409,478 and 6,783,330 issuedto Carnes et al., which are incorporated herein by this reference.

In preferred embodiments, the impeller is designed as a so-callednon-dog impeller. Non-dog impellers, however, have a somewhat poorerdegree of effectiveness due to circulation short-circuits and internalpressure equalization in comparison to pumps with a closed impeller.Pumps with a closed impeller are, however, more susceptible to clogging,so that a correspondingly finer filter must be provided on the suctionside, which provides a corresponding resistance on circulation. One ofskill in the art will understand that one objective for a given projectis to optimize a centrifugal pump with an open impeller to achieve animproved degree of effectiveness. Flow channels formed between the vanesare selected that have a cross-section that diminishes in the directionof flow from the radial inner side towards the outer side. Thecross-sectional narrowing of the flow channels in radial direction fromthe rotation axis towards the outside brings about an increase in thecentrifugal flow and herewith the hydrodynamic conveyance pressure.Preferably, the degree of narrowing at the flow channel is 15% to 40%,and more preferably 20% to 35%.

The degree of effectiveness of a pump may be increased when the heightof the vanes of the impeller measured axially to the rotation axisdecreases from the radial inner side towards the outer side, so that theopen side of the impeller is spaced apart from a counterflow plate withan essentially even gap. To avoid clogging in the flow channels of theimpeller by solid particles, the height of the vanes at the radial outerside is larger than or equal to the width of the flow channels. Furtherimprovements may be achieved if the flow channels formed between thevanes have the same width from the radial inner side towards the outerside of the impeller. To avoid clogging, the width of the flow channelsshould be larger than or equal to the maximum permissible particle size.Also preferred are vanes having a sickle shaped cross section in theplane radial to the rotation axis to create a hydro-dynamically flowchannel geometry.

Still other embodiments of the invention include the use of more thanone suctioning device. For example, in one embodiment a vacuum device issubmergible and associated with a suction end in close proximity to thepond bottom (e.g. within 2 feet), and another vacuum unit is positionedeither outside the pond or in a separate location from the first suctiondevice (e.g. also in the pond). Thus, two separate vacuum units,connected in series, provide extra power in suctioning operations andfacilitate the operator's ability to separately adjust suction rates,etc. for particular purposes. For example, the vacuum unit submerged ina pond may be used primarily to suction leaves and larger debris and thebagging thereof, while the second remote pump/vacuum would serve theprimary goal of sucking silt laden water out of the pond for disposal orfurther treatment/filtering.

In one embodiment, a bag-type device is provided at the suction end ofthe device and is maintained in position so as to catch debris thatwould otherwise interfere with the vanes or impeller or otherfunctioning features of a vacuum device. Thus, leaves, sticks, pineneedles, rocks, etc. can be preferably entrapped in a mesh-like bag thatpermits smaller silt to pass through so that the silt and associatedwater is pulled through the vacuum device to exit through a tube and/orhose, thus exiting the pond either onto soil, lawns, trees,- oralternatively into some type of filtering system (i.e. to separate waterfrom the silt and debris prior to return to the pond.)

In one embodiment where a bagging end is provided, the mesh bag isfitted such that it is sucked into the end-suction device, whichpreferably is shaped in a bowl or cone-like configuration to concentratethe suction power but to permit larger leaves, etc. to be sucked intothe mesh and held there via the suction of the device. Silt vacuumedfrom the pond bottom passes through the mesh and travels through thevacuum vanes/impeller and out the exit tube/hose. When the mesh bag issufficiently full of leaves and other larger debris, it can be removedand replaced. One way to accomplish this is to provide a drawstring-likeclosure member on the external end of the water porous bag that can becinched when the mesh bag is full or when the suction is adverselyaffected by the mesh being blocked by debris. After cinching of the bag,the leaves and debris are trapped and enclosed in the bag and can bedispended with by removing them from the pond environment. In a variantembodiment, a diaper genie-type bagging system can be employed wheresuccessive mesh segments are generated via either a drawstring orcinching mechanism, or alternatively a twisting of the end of the mesh,thus enclosing larger debris so that it can be dispensed with, see e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 incorporated herein by this reference.

In one embodiment, a separate, out-of-the-pond filter device is used toseparate certain aspects of debris suctioned form the pond. In oneembodiment, leaves, sticks, stones, rocks, etc. far larger in size anddenser than fine silt that is also suctioned, can be removed forseparate disposal. A portable and reversibly collapsible unit, (e gsimilar to the Blagdon Monsta system's filter device) can be employedfor such purpose. However, in a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, a far more robust and effective filtering system is employed.In one embodiment, a two-part container system is used so that debrisladen water is suctioned to a first container, the container beingfitted with a permeable bag, preferably one having suitably sizedapertures such that larger debris is retained in the bag but thatsmaller debris and silt containing water can readily pass there through,and can be directed out of the first container into a second container.The second container is fitted with appropriate filters such that a nextsmaller size of debris can be removed from the water. This process ofdirecting suctioned water through two or more containers with successivefiltering treatments to remove ever smaller debris, can be employeduntil a desired quality of water sans sediment, etc. is achieved.Preferably, however, and unlike certain prior art systems, thesilt-laden water is not returned directly to the pond after a singlefiltering step, e.g. where leaves and larger debris is removed. Instead,one aspect of certain embodiments is to provide at least two filteringsteps with the objective being to remove a substantial quantity of siltfrom suctioned water prior to returning the water to the pond.

In still other embodiments, where it is acceptable to irrigatesurrounding land, return of the suctioned water is not accomplished andin fact, the silt laden water is believed to be especially beneficial tosurrounding grass, trees, etc as a fertilizer. Replacement of cleanerwater to the pond can be achieved via other means. In such a manner, apond owner is ensured that the majority of solid debris is removed fromthe pond and that dirty water is not immediately returned to the pondafter only some larger debris is removed therefrom. This is considered asignificant disadvantage of prior art systems.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the ability to notonly effectively suck up silt from pond bottoms, but to also minimizethe blocking of a suction device due to larger debris blocking thesuction end. Various mesh-like covers on the suction end can be used,such as chicken wire, other metal matrices, fabric having desiredporosity and filtering characteristics, etc. in a manner that thestraining function of such features can periodically be cleaned. Oneembodiment of the invention, called a “pond mower” due to its generalvisual similarity to a reel lawnmower, is pictured in the figures. Whilea one wheel support assembly is desirable and advantageous due toincreased maneuverability, more than two wheels can be used, and it isbelieved that the stability and maneuverability of the device with twowheels is sufficient for most environments and uses. Other embodimentsemploy more than two wheels, slats, skis or other bottom surfacesupporting elements that ride upon the pond bottom surface, etc., whichcan also be used in combination (e.g. wheeled and ski combos), in orderto provide desired stability and to support other associated structuresof the device. In particular, in some embodiments, the wheels directlysupport a silt constraining enclosure or housing. In others, the wheelssupport the heavier pump/vacuum unit that is submerged in the pond. Instill other embodiments, wheels are used to separately support the siltcurtain/housing and other portions of the submerged unit, such as thevacuum unit, tubing, etc. thus, a plurality of wheels can be associatedwith the submerged portions of the unit to facilitate conveyance andavoidance of submerged obstacles, such as rocks, potted pond plants,etc.

For example, in one embodiment, it is desirable to provide an enclosuresuch that a certain predetermined area above (e.g., at least about ¼inch; more preferably about 1 inch and most preferably less than about 2inches from the silt layer top to the descending silt curtain) butproximate to the silt layer sought to be removed is precluded from beingdisturbed in a manner that would otherwise cause silt to freely cloudthe surrounding water. By using an enclosure (at least one) it ispossible to constrain the degree of silt clouding and thus to suck amore concentrated silt and water content from the pond. Preferably, theenclosure can be of a desired shape and size so that silt debris can besubstantially contained within a region of the suction end of thedevice, for example, by providing side walls to an over-hanging ceilingmember that traps disturbed silt within such enclosure for vacuuminginto the device. In such embodiments the suction end of the vacuumdevice is positioned such that it can exert suction within or under theenclosure. While a standard fitting or broad nozzle from, for example, adry-vac device, can be employed at the suction end of the presentinvention, other more expansive covering enclosures can be employed. Forexample, a geometrically designed enclosure that is situated so that itextends from the suction end in a forward direction (e.g. the directionof travel) for at least about 6 inches, preferably at least about 12inches and in some embodiments about two feet or more, such the anextended calm area is created above such enclosure and conversely, belowsuch enclosure, silt is concentrated and confined to a significantdegree within such enclosure, thus permitting the suction action toeffectively remove concentrated silt containing water. The enclosure canbe adapted to be reversibly attachable to the unit and in preferredembodiments is at least partially transparent so as to provide anoperator desired visibility of the pond bottom. Preferably, theextending portion of the cover is transparent to a degree and extentsuch that an operator's view of the bottom of the pond through the pondwater is not entirely obscured by the extension itself.

In one embodiment, an inflatable extended segment (again, preferablyhaving at least one transparent feature to provide viewing of the pondbottom) is provided that provides a zone of quiet so that disturbedsediment is precluded from freely floating upwards or in undesireddirections. In one embodiment, a shaped air-bladder is inflated tocreate a desired shelf under the water surface, preferably in closeproximity to the suction end of the device, providing a quiet zone sothat the operator can effectively suction fine debris below such shelfIn one embodiment, this may resemble a miniature version of a child'sinflatable pool where a circumferential tube is inflated and suspends aconnected extent of plastic or fabric there between. For someembodiments, such air bladders can also assist in generating desiredbuoyancy of the entire device, thus facilitating movement of the unitwhen in operation by lessening the weight and providing the ability toselectively adjust the distance of the suction end from the bottom ofthe pond. Thus, in one embodiment, adjustability of the distance fromthe bottom of the pond and the suction end can be achieved by provisionof submarine-type leveling systems such that, for example, a higherpowered (heavier) vacuum could be employed but the unit, instead ofbeing within inches of the pond bottom, may instead by adjusted to“float” above rocks plant tubs, etc. already on the pond surface. Insuch a manner, an operator can far more efficiently and quickly cleandebris from a pond that has planted pots (i.e. water lilies, cattails,etc.) without the need to remove such pots from the pond prior tocleaning of the pond's bottom surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum device is electrically powered(e.g. like the Cal Pump unit described herein). The cord length can varybut should preferably be of a size that permits a pond servicer or ownerto traverse the entire pond bottom with the minimum number ofdetachments and reattachments to different electrical outlets. Extensioncords can be employed to provide desired length of cord, however, caremust be taken with respect to interconnection of such cords as they maybe immersed in water of the pond. Thus, preferably the cord associatedwith the device is of a continuous length that permits the entire pondbottom to be cleaned without the use of extension cords. In oneembodiment, the cord is at least 40 feet in length. Electricalgenerators can be used to provide power in situations where outlets forelectricity do not already exist. In a preferred embodiment theelectrical cord is closely associated with the non-suction segment ofthe device such that it is not encumbering the movement of the operatorwhen the device is used. For example, the cord is mounted eitheralong-side or in the interior of the exit tube so that the operator isto not prone to trip or tangle in the cord. Clips or a conduitassociated with the exiting tube or hose of the invention such that itdirects the cord in a fashion so that it is not free to tangle with anoperator's feet, etc. is preferred. In other embodiments, at leastsections of the electrical cord are buoyant or have buoyant devicesassociated therewith to permit the operator to know where the cord isduring use, thus reducing the occasions where the cord could tangle theoperators feet or body if submerged in the water. Thus, in oneembodiment, the cord is provided with floating segments or is coatedwith a buoyant material along its entire extent, but at least preferablyprovided on the cord just after it exists the upper-non-suction segment(e.g. as the cord exists the unit and extends toward the power outletoutside the pond.)

Other power sources can be employed, such as gas powered engines, etc.but electricity is the preferred mode of power, if only due to thequietness of the same, the ease of using electrically poweredpump/vacuum systems tested and approved for use while submerged, etc. Incertain embodiments, either a water or air stream can be furtherprovided to assist in the dislodging of sediment, for dispersing ofsediment so as to improve visualization of underwater conditions, etc.Thus, in on embodiment, a valve can be used that directs a stream fromthe exiting water-stream (containing sediment therein) toward an area ofinterest of the operator. For example, if an operator wants to cleanse asubmerged rock from debris residing thereon, a valve is opened to permita directed stream of water to blow such sediment from the rock surface(e.g. like a spray-gun used for washing a car) and then the valve can beshut and the operator can suction up the sediment. An air bubblingstream can also be provided associated with the suction device tosimilarly utilize air instead of or in conjunction with water to removeand/or direct sediment in the water.

Although in one preferred embodiment, no powered movement mechanism isinvolved, other embodiments (e.g. especially those where more bulky orheavy units are involved) employ such powered conveyance to permit anoperator from having to push or pull a vacuum device across the pondbottom surface. Such a self-propelling feature can be of any suitabledesign and type, however, preferably the power would be electric (as thevacuum would similarly be powered) and systems similar to those employedon lawnmowers and/or rug or pool vacuums for similar purposes can beused, suitably adjusted to operate in submerged conditions.

In other embodiments, the system can be remote controlled in variousrespects, including directing the traveling of the unit across a pondfloor, directing the herein described bagging operations (e.g. using thediaper genie-type mechanism); adjusting the height of the unit above asurface of the pond floor to address plantings, rocks, other obstacles,adjusting a silt curtain, etc. This feature is particularly beneficialin deep water where an operator may be up over their neck in water ifattempting to physically and manually push and pull the device. Whilenumerous ponds of a depth that an operator is able to manually enter thepond to perform the present method albeit sometime perhaps necessitatinga snorkel, other deeper water environments may require scuba gear or theuse of the herein described remote control system. Remote controlsystems are well known an implementation in its various forms will bestraightforward to those of skill in the art. Incorporated by referenceherein for suitable types of remote control systems are the following:20050040283 to Frazer; 20080119106 to Imai; U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,036 toHino, et al.; 20100054961 to Palecek; U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,441 toVan-Zwol; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,496 to Asfar, et al.

One aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention relates tothe conveyance of sediment containing water out of the pond and to anouter pond location. In one embodiment, the sediment laden water isconveyed through flexible hose to a relatively close location outside ofa pond, such as neighboring lawns or trees where such nutrient richwater is a desirable fertilizer for the growth of grass, trees, etc.Alternatively, the pumped sediment laden water can be directed to simplyanother location outside of the pond and the water can evaporate fromanother reservoir. Still other embodiments of the invention involvedirecting water through various filtration treatments such that watercan be at least partially filtered such that it can be returned to thepond from whence it came.

In other embodiments, more than one vacuum unit can be employed,especially if a wheeled or ski-track assembly is used to provide supportfor such a larger unit or units. In such embodiments, two, three or morevacuum units can be assembled such that broader swaths of a pond bottomcan be covered in successive passes by an operator. In one suchembodiment, a two wheeled carriage is provided and two separate vacuumunits (as described herein) are mounted thereon, preferably withcontrols provided that allow the operator to adjust each one for suctionpower, aperture opening sizes, speed of travel, etc. In certainembodiments, the vacuum units are connected in series to provide extrapower, to provide for separation of different type or sixed debris, etc.

In a particular embodiment, a single ski or wheel is used to contact thepond bottom surface, thus providing a degree of maneuverability that noprior art device possesses, while permitting the operator to raise thesuction level above the pond surface a predetermined degree. Thisallows, for example, one to vacuum the pond bottom without hittingsubmerged underwater plant containers as the length of the ski orwheeled extension member (connected to the device itself) can beadjusted accordingly.

The suction nozzle at the front of the unit is connected to thesubmersible pump having a capacity sufficient to remove a layer of sandand sludge up to at least about 1 inch thick. The suctioned material canbe conveyed to a separate place outside the pond where removed sand maybe cleaned and if desired, later redeposited in the pond, while thewater-suspended sludge is discharged through a hose.

A wheeled, castored, or ski-slatted frame can be associated with avacuum unit, with one end of the unit having a chamber that includes anaperture formed therein for receiving in use sediment and waterproximate the bottom of the pond as the apparatus moves along the bottomthe pond. A gate means can be employed to control the size of theaperture formed in the chamber thereby regulating the volume of waterand sediment entering the chamber and to regulate the ratio of sedimentto water entering the chamber. A motorized mechanism, preferablyelectrically powered, can be used to move the apparatus along the bottomof the pond. Any number of devices can also be employed, if desired, toloosen sediment by scraping, plowing, etc. the bottom sediment proximatethe aperture upon movement of the frame. A vent means can be used tovent the chamber to permit in use a flow into the chamber of sedimentand water proximate the aperture.

One aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention include abagging mechanism that permits an operator to remove larger debris fromthe pond without having such material suctioned completely through anextended hose that runs outside the pond. Instead, in one embodiment,the bagging mechanism is submersed in the pond and the bagging activityoccurs at least partially underwater. In such a manner, the difficultiesin handling leaves and larger debris, including the wear and tear onimpeller mechanisms of vacuuming and suctioning units, is reduced. In aparticular embodiment, a diaper genie-type device is employed at aboutthe suction end closest to the pond bottom, used in association withspecial bagging material that is porous enough to permit large debris tobe captured inside, while permitting a desirable amount of water andother smaller debris to pass therethrough. As shown in the Figures, thesuction end can be designed to include a sealing mechanism foraccumulated debris that is suctioned from the pond. Such sealingmechanism can include a storage container having a body and a storagefilm cartridge adapted to be positioned in said body. The cartridge hasa continuous length of storage film therein. A sealing mechanismcomprises an actuator operably connected to the cartridge such thatactuation of the actuator rotates the cartridge in only one directioncausing said storage film to seal. A clutch is operably connected to theactuator and the cartridge, thus allowing the cartridge to rotate inonly one direction. A rack gear is operably connected to the actuatorand the clutch, and a spring is connected to the rack gear. Actuation ofthe actuator causes the rack gear to move in a first direction againstthe bias of said spring and release of the actuator causes the rack gearto move in a second direction under the bias of the spring to cause theclutch to rotate the cartridge.

One aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is directedto removal of decayed matter, sludge, debris, unsightly algae, andprevents accumulation of waste materials from difficult to reach pondbottoms, corners and dead spots. In one embodiment, large organic matteris trapped in a removable container, which can later be used asfertilizer in gardens and flowerbeds.

In the diaper genie-type bagging system described herein, a filmcartridge having a hole concentrically located therein, is positioned inthe container body. The film cartridge has a top surface from which astorage film extends and has a twist ring secured in the concentric holeof the cartridge. The storage film extends from the film cartridge, overand then down through the twist ring, down through the hole in the filmcartridge and into the container body. Leaves and other larger ponddebris are suctioned through the twist ring and hole in the filmcartridge, and into the storage film. As one will appreciate, while in adiaper genie a user pushes a soiled diaper down into a container body,through the twist ring, in the pond environment at issue here, thecontainer body and twist ring are directed towards the bottom of thepond. The vacuum suction is provided such that the bag is sucked fromthe open end of the container body and the twist ring, away from thepond bottom and directed along the suction path created. The bag islimited in the extent to which it can be sucked into the vacuum tubeend, preferably no more than about one to two feet into the vacuum tube.After a desirable amount of leaves, pond debris is accumulated in theporous storage bag while suction is applied thereto, the twist ring canbe turned to twist the bag material, thus sealing off the accumulatedleaves and debris suctioned in the bag. In other words, the twist ringcan be manually rotated by the user's hand, which causes the filmcartridge and storage film to rotate, tying off and sealing theaccumulated leaves/debris in the storage film The storage film ispreferably continuously fed from the film cartridge, preferablyproviding the operator with the ability to create at least three,preferably at least four and more preferably at least five separatetwisted segments of at least about one foot in length, prior to havingto the film cartridge exhausted of film material. While in oneembodiment, the device requires the user to rotate the twist ring byhand to seal the storage film, in other embodiments, such a twistingaction and consequent sealing of bag segments, can be accomplished witha powered (e.g. vacuum or electrically operated) mechanism to performthe sealing operation.

Another difference between the diaper genie device and the modifieddevice used for pond maintenance as described herein, relates to theprovision of a way to take full bag segments out of the direct suctionstream created by the vacuum means. Thus, in one embodiment, the twistring has a slot therein such that once a full bag segment has beentwisted and the leaves/debris contents are sealed therein, the twistednarrow portion of the bag can be slipped or fitted through the slit inthe twisted ring, thereby moving the filled segment out of the directpath of suction. When a full sealed segment is thus removed from thepath of suction, the suction force then exerts a vacuum force such thatanother segment of the porous film is sucked into the vacuum end of thedevice, thus permitting such new section to be filled with leaves/debrisbeing suctioned into the container body, twisted ring aperture, etc. Onewill appreciate that several segmented bags can thus be formed, eachfiled with a certain amount of larger solid debris, all without theoperator having to exit the pond or cease the suctioning operation torefit bags to the end of the suctioning unit.

A pump of suitable size, but preferably one that handles at least about4000 gph, more preferably at least about 5000 gph, and most preferablyup to an beyond 10,000 gph is used, such pumps having an inlet portproviding suction and an outlet port providing discharge. The inlet portof the pump is in fluid communication with the chamber to create in usea pressure lower in the chamber thereby forcing into the chamber thesediment and fluid proximate the aperture, often creating an inflowturbulence within the chamber to form a slurry comprising the bottomsediment and water. The outlet port of the pump is associated with aflexible hose that removes the slurry away from the pond.

A conduit can extend to the atmosphere to release air held within thechamber and/or pump. In one embodiment, the unit also includestelescoping features that move vertically relative to the frame therebyenabling an upward or downward manipulation of the pond suction endrelative to the bottom of the pond.

A separate aspect of the present invention is directed to pond filteringsystems that can be used with or independently with various embodimentsof the pond suctioning devices, methods and systems as set forth herein.For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, skimmer devices having anencasement with inflow, outflow ports, pump output portals, a pluralityof filters arranged in a vertical side-by-side fashion; a filter netadjacent to the inflow port and molded supports surrounding the exteriorportion of the encasement, are particularly novel as compared toexisting prior art skimmer systems. Other figures disclose embodimentsdepicting a hinged lid device; a sludge trap in the bottom most portionof the interior of the encasement; sludge discharge ports, preferably atleast tow and positioned toward the relative center of the interior ofthe encasement and between vertically inclined filter pads; and asubmerged pump unit positioned within the interior of the encasement.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent andimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood sothat the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter whichform the subject of the claims of the invention. It should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and thespecific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the deviceand method herein in detail it is to be understood that the invention isnot limited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangement, of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways whichwill become obvious to those skilled in the art who read thisspecification. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting of the invention in any fashion.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying outthe several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including any such equivalentconstruction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of one embodiment of the invention where a usermanually manipulates a unit with a suctioning pump located along thesame longitudinal axis as an export tube, such tube being rigid andconnected to a flexible extension that exists the pond.

FIG. 2 is another embodiment where two separate in-line pumps aredisclosed to facilitate suctioning operations.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment where a wheeled conveyance that contactthe pond bottom is employed with a silt containing cover associated withthe suctioning end of the unit.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment employing at least one non-wheeled skimember to contact the pond bottom during suctioning operations, alongwith a silt enclosure cover associated with the suctioning end of theunit.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment where more than two wheels are employedto contact the pond bottom and to add stability to the conveyancecarriage of a suctioning unit.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment where a vacuum unit is connected to abagging device to facilitate collection of debris during the suctioningoperation, and separating larger debris from silt while the unit issubmerged.

FIG. 7 illustrates a two wheeled carriage system used in conjunctionwith a suction device for vacuuming the bottom of a pond.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment where a wheeled support for a vacuumpump is associated with two or more detachable suction ends.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a wheeled silt housing that may beassociated with a suctioning end of a pond bottom vacuuming system.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a wheeled silt housingfor use with pond suctioning systems.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment where a pond bottom contacting suctiondevice is connected by a hollow tube to an external pumping station.

FIG. 12 shows a screened suction end of a pond bottom suctioning systemwhere the pond bottom surface contacts comprise wheeled and/or ski unitsto facilitate conveyance.

FIG. 13 shows one embodiment where a screened, rotating enclosure housesa suctioning unit connected to a suction hose, such screened rotatingunit traversing the bottom of a pond.

FIG.14 illustrates an alternative screened embodiment of a screenedsuction end of the pond bottom contacting portion, where two ski bottomcontacting portions facilitate conveyance on the bottom of a pond.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment where a submerged, wheeled suctioningunit is connected to a hose that is connected to a second mobile pumplocated outside the pond.

FIG. 16 shows a silt containment housing supported by pond bottomcontacting skis and associated with the suction end of a wheeled,submerged vacuum unit.

FIG. 17 illustrates a wheeled silt housing with a removable transparenttop-most panel and an internally positioned filter.

FIG. 18 shows a wheeled silt entrapping housing with a removabletop-most panel having silt directing internal panels and a suctioningunit positioned in its interior.

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment employing a vertically descendingsilt curtain associated with the suctioning end of a wheeled submergiblevacuum unit.

FIG. 20 illustrates a skimmer unit having a plurality of filters, moldedsupports and a filter net associated with an inflow port.

FIG. 21 shows a hinged lid embodiment of the skimmer as depicted in FIG.20.

FIG. 22 shows an alternative embodiment of a skimmer unit with twosludge discharge ports in between filer pads.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the invention 10 in a workingenvironment for removing a layer of sediment which has settled on thebottom of a pond. The apparatus comprises a frame with a first end and asecond end. A chamber with a first end and a second end is positionedproximate the first end of the frame. The chamber provides a conduit forconveying slurry to the input port of a pump and adjustment of the sizeof apertures can be made to adjust the ratio of sediment to waterremoved from the bottom of the pond.

Preferably, a single wheel supports the vacuum unit and such unit iselectrically powered via a long cord. The vacuum unit may include aninlet port and an outlet port. Preferably, the input port is in fluidcommunication with a chamber. A flexible conduit is in fluidcommunication with the second end of the chamber and with open conduitwhich extends above the level of pond.

Various patents and patent publications are hereby incorporated byreference to provide written description and support and for enablementpurposes with respect to the varied and numerous embodiments of thepresent invention as encompassed by the scope of claims herein. Theseinclude U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,622 to Mims; U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,303 toChesner; U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,370,445, 5,864,919 to Pineda; U.S. Pat. No.5,317,776 to DeMoura; U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,571 to Lovestead et al; U.S.Pat. No. 7,234,657 to Doering et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,993 to Shibataet al; 20080313827 to Paxton; 20050247613 to Bishop; U.S. Pat. No.7,520,015 to Ajello; U.S. Pat. No. 7,552,551 to Kohutko; 20080109972 toMah; U.S. Pat. No. 7,676,966 to Taplin; U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,383 toNovak; U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,919 to Werner, et al.; U.S. Pat. No.7,181,871 to Sower; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,321 to Roudnev, et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 7,686,951; 7,814,926 to Hoffmeirer et al; U.S. Pat. No.7,806,347 to Hanke et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,805,793 to Paxton;20040111825 to Kaufman; et al.; 20030221412 to Harrington; 20070190591to Grech; 20100096324 to Roberts; U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,951 to Wagner, etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,746 to Wang; U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,149 to Pank etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,571 to Sargent; U.S. Pat. No. 7,465,129 toSingleton; U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,951 to Wagner et al.; U.S. Pat. No.7,814,926 to Hoffmeier, et al. and United States Patent Application Nos.0070065316; 0070183905; 0070199595; 0070286752; 0080054088; 0080044293;0080056911; 0080105311; and 0080217229.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a sediment removalsystem for removing sediment from a body of water comprises a suctionconduit having an inlet portion defining an inlet opening, at least oneretention container adapted to retain sediment removed from a body ofwater, and a suction pump adapted to draw sediment and water through thesuction conduit and into the at least one retention container.

In a preferred embodiment, the material that has settled to the bottomof the pond is not to be unduly disturbed before being suctioned, thusallowing more of the sediment to be removed and preventing furthercontamination of the pond water. Thus, the method of the presentinvention is particularly directed and focused to achieving in acontrolled manner removal of debris from a pond bottom withoutgenerating unwanted turbidity.

In still other embodiments, a mulcher-type of mechanism, similar tothose employed in leaf blower systems, can be associated with thesuction import end of the unit so that leaves and other debris that canbe reduced in size (to a size that does not interfere with the impellermovement of the vacuum or pump employed). This provides a way to largelydispense with the herein described bagger mechanisms for large debrisand leaves. In some embodiments, a combination of such systems can beprovided on a unit so that the operator has options in what mechanismscan be employed for particular uses. Such mechanisms typically includevanes which provide serrations or debris-engaging structure for furthermulching debris. Incorporated herein are the following patents for thisparticular aspect of the present invention: U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,818 toSvoboda; U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,568 to Keim and U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,864 toHammett, et al.

Thus, in certain embodiments, a cutter pump is employed to addressmulching of debris so that impeller devices are not adversely affectedby debris clogging the vacuum operation. Various types of pulverizingmeans for receiving said solids and for reducing the solids toparticulate sizes can be employed. For example, water enters a chamberfrom an inlet, an aperture control the water flow as it leaves thechamber and enters a passageway, with such passageway controlling thewater flow. Separated heavier solid waste settles into a sump andpre-filtered lighter suspended solid waste is carried by the water flowto be filtered by a filter member. A cutter pump subassembly can beemployed that is adapted for cutting and pumping a liquid containingentrained solids, such as slurry. Pumps of this kind are used totransport fiber suspensions and various sludges such as sewage, paper,cloth products, and plastics. Preferably, head capacity, i.e., pressuredifferential from suction to discharge, is maintained at desirablelevels so that the chopping action does not unduly restrict the flow ofthe water.

Preferably, the cutting action is carried out in line with the naturalflow of the water passing through the pump. Other embodiments, howevercan employ other pump system, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,145,008, issued to Wolferd and incorporated herein by this reference,where a pump is shown in which the chopping action of the pump isprovided by a blade spinning perpendicularly to the direction of fluidflow.

Another aspect of the present invention in particular embodiments isdirected to a carriage for facilitating the conveyance of a suctioningunit across the bottom of a pod. Thus, provision of a wheeled or slattedcarriage that can retro-fit existing suction devices, including those ofthe prior art as referenced herein, enables one to better accomplish theremoval of silt and debris from the bottom of a pond. For example, inone embodiment a sled is attached to the bottom side of a silt enclosureor housing and comprises the combination of both surface conveyancedevices, such as wheels, castors, slats or skis, etc. in combinationwith either a vacuum unit or a suction port through which pond bottomdebris can be suctioned off the bottom of the pond. Preferably such acarriage is employed with a submersible pump apparatus positioned at thebottom of a body of water, whether such device is remotely controlled(and thus does not necessitate a person actually entering the pond touse the device—or wherein an individual manually conveys the deviceacross desired sections of a pond bottom.

In other embodiments, where a water pump system is employed that usesone or more powerful water intake units that remove or draw out massiveamounts of water in a very short time, the pull or suction of water bythese pumps generates a high velocity water flow (vortex) near the pumpintake unit. The high rate of water flow is sufficiently strong thataquatic life, such as fish, turtles, etc. cannot escape the watercurrent generated, and are sucked into the pump system. Therefore,regrettably, during water pumping operations, water is not the onlyelement removed, but in addition, fish and other aquatic life is alsodrawn out indiscriminately. Accordingly, preferred embodiments of thepresent invention uses a protective screen to preclude aquatic life frombeing ingested into the pump stream. When the pumping rate of the wateris increased, then the size of the screen is commensurately increasedand thus, a large volume of water may flow over a larger surface area,neutralizing, maintaining, or in fact, reducing the actual approachvelocity of the water near the protective screen, despite an increase inthe rate of water pumped.

One will appreciate that while the present invention can be immersed andplaced at the bottom floor of the body of water, it can also be floatedby a buoyant or a floatation device. In one embodiment, adownward-facing intake is suspended at an elevation above the bottom ofthe pond, the suspension adapted to be shortened or lengthened to adjustthe height above the bottom of the pond. In other embodiments, thebuoyancy of the device may be changed to adjust the height above thebottom of the pond.

In various embodiments, a portable frame comprising a screen is employedto wrap around the portable frame, thus providing a low profile of theportable frame to permit drafting in shallow water situations, anddecreases the overall weight of the device. Several of the figuresdepict various different embodiments of a suction unit being enclosed orhoused within screened environments, thus facilitating the suctioning ofsilt and small debris without risking suctioning aquatic life and largerdebris. Efficient removal of small particles is a critical component ofany filtering system when filtering cloudy water.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided suctioningdebris from the bottom of a pond that comprising the acts of :submerging a suction system having a screen of a predetermined size thatprecludes aquatic life of more than about 1 inch in size from passingtherethrough; elevating the intake above the pond bottom to apredetermined degree; connecting the outlet to second pump locatedoutside the pond; and powering on the pump to draw water upward throughthe system, thus achieving desired removal of silt laden water withoutsubstantial loss of aquatic life. In one embodiment a submerged wheeledsystem is adjustable for height above the pond bottom, with such systemconnected to hoses or tubes and functionality connected to a separatepower supply. The conveyance system preferably employs removable ski,wheels, etc. to customize the conveyance device, and may further includetelescoping, locking, and adjustable height of wheels, skis, to positionthe suctioning action a desired distance above the bottom of the pond.Such conveyance system facilitates one to be able to avoid unseenobstacles on the pond bottom, such as rocks, aerators, potted plants,underwater structures, etc.

As described herein a housing is particularly desired to entrap siltfrom going into surrounding waters. Thus, a housing employing a type ofa silt curtain designed to control the settling of solids (silt)provides a controlled area of containment. Reduction of turbidity andconfining it to a specified area around the suction device has not beenemployed by prior art pond suctioning systems. The use of such a siltcontaining housing during suctioning operations provides for improvedsettling for suspended solids. Incorporated herein in their entiretiesby this reference are: U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,528; and U.S. Publication No.20050016930 to Nesfield. In certain embodiments, the present inventionemploys various known aspects of dredger designs to accomplish theparticular purposes as set forth herein. For example, a Cutter SuctionDredger, Grab Dredger, Dustpan Dredger and trailing suction hopperdredgers can be variously employed.

In one embodiment, the above described suctioning device (especiallythose that employ two or more pumping units) is used in conjunction withan elongate enclosure having mesh sides and defining a closed interiorfor the collection of water and a mesh exterior for preventing undesiredsized particulate penetration into the closed interior. Preferably aperforated plate arrayed over a cylindrical body is used where a housingcomprising a screen for removing debris from water as water is suctionedfrom the bottom surface of a pond, a suction chamber positioned withinthe housing and a discharge opening for discharging water out of thesuction chamber to feed a suction pipe of a pumping unit. A control zonecontaining liquid and suspended particles dispersed during removal ofbottom sediment surface is provided via a housing that surrounds adesired suctioning area, preferably at least about 1 square foot aroundthe suctioning action, more preferably about 2 square feet, and morepreferably about 3 square feet around the suctioning action. Transparentpanels are preferably employed to form such housing so as to facilitatesome visual assistance of an operator of the suctioning unit. Such siltconstraining housing may also have one or more sections within the outerconfines of the housing to further reduce turbidity and to direct siltladen water to the suctioning unit port. Thus, barrier walls comprisedof individual movable sheets capable of contouring to the bottom of thesurface of the waterway can be used in containing liquid and suspendedparticles dispersed during suctioning operations. These features aredesigned to reduce sediment dispersion resulting from cutterblade,jetting, or raking mechanisms that may also be used in concert with thesuctioning units of the present invention. Various curtains (flexible,impermeable canvas or rubber-like sheets) assist in isolating the areaof suctioning.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims aswell as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention hasbeen described in its preferred form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred faun has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. An apparatus for removing a layer of sediment which has settled onthe bottom of a pond; comprising: a handle suitable for a person tohold; a vacuum unit connected to the handle, said vacuum having a firstopening adapted for receiving material sucked into said opening and asecond opening for material sucked into said vacuum to exist at a pointoutside said pond, said vacuum being submersible in a pond and supportedby at least one wheel associated with said vacuum to position the same apredetermined distance above the pond bottom, said vacuum having anaperture formed therein for receiving a mixture of sediment and waterfrom the bottom of the pond; a hose associated with said second opening,said hose being of at least about 8 feet in length and designed todeposit suctioned water to a area outside the pond; a fitting associatedwith the first opening that precludes undesired sizes of debris frompassing through when said vacuum draws sediment and water through saidaperture and conveys the same to said hose.
 2. The device as set forthin claim 1, further comprising, a storage container for receivingaccumulated debris suctioned from the pond bottom, said storagecontainer having a body and a storage film cartridge adapted to bepositioned in said body, said cartridge having a continuous length ofstorage film therein, said storage film being permeable to water andhaving a predetermined mesh sized to traps debris, and a sealingmechanism having an actuator operably connected to said cartridge,wherein actuation of said actuator rotates said cartridge causing saidstorage film to seal.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 2, furthercomprising a clutch operably connected to said actuator and saidcartridge, said clutch allowing said cartridge to rotate in only onedirection; and a rack gear operably connected to said actuator and saidclutch, and a spring connected to said rack gear, wherein actuation ofsaid actuator causes said rack gear to move in a first direction againstthe bias of said spring and release of said actuator causes said rackgear to move in a second direction under the bias of said spring tocause said clutch to rotate said cartridge.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a mowing mechanism having sharpened surfaces to severvegetation growing on the bottom of the pond.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a first articulating means for enabling saidvacuum unit to move vertically relative to the bottom of the pond. 6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vacuum includes a pump employinga vane design that permits debris having a size of at least about 1 cmin diameter to be conveyed through said pump.
 7. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising means for loosening the bottom sediment layer uponmovement of said apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising a wiper that clears debris from said fitting.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rake having a plurality ofprongs extending into a sediment layer of said pond for loosening thesediment layer upon movement of said apparatus.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, including a blade for mowing vegetation growing on the bottomof the pond upon movement of said apparatus across the bottom of thepond.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, including a telescoping unit to movethe vacuum vertically relative to the bottom of the pond.
 12. A systemfor removing undesired debris from the bottom of a pond, comprising, asubmergible vacuum unit having a first suction end, a second waterexiting end and an electrical powered vacuum positioned between, saidfirst and second ends each comprising tubular segments having at least adiameter of about 2 inches, said electrical vacuum unit pumping at leastabout 4000 gph and having a longitudinal axis substantially in line witha longitudinal axis of at least one of the first and second segments, anelectrical cord of at least 40 feet in length associated with saidsubmergible vacuum, a carriage assembly associated with said vacuum unithaving at least one pond bottom contacting member selected from thegroup consisting of a ski and a wheel, and an extended flexible hosehaving proximal and distal ends, said proximal end operativelyassociated with said second end, said flexible hose having a length ofat least about 12 feet.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein said hose hasa diameter of at least about 2 inches.
 14. The system of claim 12wherein said cord has at least one buoyant feature associated therewithto permit at least a portion of the cord to float on the surface ofwater.
 15. The system of claim 12 further comprising a sedimentcontaining feature that extends in a plane generally parallel to thebottom surface of a pond and extending in said plane away from saidfirst end at least about 6 inches.
 16. The system of claim 12 furthercomprising at least two vacuum units associated with said carriage, withone of said vacuum units being positioned outside the pond and whereinthe hose is associated with both of said vacuum units.
 17. The system ofclaim 12 further comprising a water filtering element provided at one ofa first and second end of said hose.
 18. A portable submersible cleaningdevice for removing debris from a pond, comprising: a vacuum having afirst and end and a second end for suctioning a volume ofdebris-saturated water upwardly through a forward tube that has a firstend and a second end a diameter of at least about 2 inches, said vacuumconnected to said second end of said forward tube, a back-end tubehaving a first end and a second end, said first end connected to saidvacuum and said second end associated with an extent of flexible hosebeing at least about 12 feet in length, said vacuum being substantiallyin line with said forward tube and said back-end tube, a continuouselectrical power cord of at least about 40 feet in length operativelyassociated with the vacuum, wherein said first end of said forward tubeis associated with a cutter assembly, at least one pond bottomcontacting rotatable wheel assembly supporting one of the tube and thevacuum when said vacuum is submerged in the pond; and at least one gateadapted to prevent a predetermined size of debris from passing throughthe gate and into the tube, said gate positioned between the first endof said tube and the first end of said vacuum.
 19. A portablesubmersible cleaning device for removing debris from a pond, comprising:a housing including a vacuum and an exterior receptacle directly abuttedto an outer surface of said housing with said exterior receptacle havingan end portion with a cutter pump assembly associated therewith, saidvacuum sucking silt-containing water upwardly from a pond bottom surfaceand through said housing and along a unidirectional passageway definedwithin said housing and continuing through a hollow tube to a regionoutside the pond; an electrical cord associated with said vacuum whilesaid housing is submerged beneath a water line of the pond and poweringsaid vacuum for removing debris from said pond and said vacuum having animpeller statically mounted and being axially aligned thereby creatingan upward vortex along which the debris-saturated water is angularlydisplaced; a circular blade having a forward facing surface, a rearwardfacing surface, adapted for cutting leaves suctioned from the pond intosmall pieces prior to being further suctioned into said vacuum; a headertube having a forward facing end, a rearward facing end, and an aperturewhich extends axially therethrough a grate extending across said headertube, said grate being movable between a first position and a secondposition, and when said grate is in said first position it preventsdebris from entering the tube and when said grate is in said secondposition it is less restrictive in limiting flow through said tube; andan articulatable member secured to said tube and being operablyconnected to said grate, said articulatable member being movable betweena first position which corresponds to said first position of said grateand a second position which corresponds to said second position of saidgrate.
 20. A method for removing a layer of sediment formed on thebottom of a pond, comprising, providing an electrically poweredsubmersible vacuum unit associated with in-line import and exportsections made form at least 2 inch diameter tubing and supported by asingle ski or wheel that is in contact with the pond bottom surface,connecting to said export section a flexible hose having at least a 2inch diameter and a length of at least about 20 feet; directing saidhose to a point outside the pond for disposal or filtering of suctionedwater; providing one of a) debris bagging mechanism and a b) mulchingmechanism connected to are employed to facilitate removal of largedebris from pond bottoms, while fine silt material is being suctionedoff the bottom surface; and positioning said submersible vacuum in apond and vacuuming pond sediment from the bottom of the pond.
 21. Anapparatus for collecting pond debris comprising: a silt housing havingan elongated tubular member connected thereto adapted for submersioninto a pond having silt debris on a bottom of the pond; a suction unitconnected to said silt housing that is adapted to engage the bottomsurface of said pond and to impel said silt toward said suction unit; aconduit adapted to conduct said silt through said elongated tubularmember and into a collector associated with said suction unit, saidcollector having silt separating features and at least one water port,wherein said suction unit is associated with one of a wheel and a skiadapted for contact with the bottom of the pond.